Method and device for manipulating and transferring products between confined volumes

ABSTRACT

One of the two confined volumes, for example the &#34;supplying&#34; one (2), is provided with a tubular perforating element (3) confined within a space closed by a diaphragm or perforable wall (503); the second confined volume (1) also has a perforable diaphragm (301); the surfaces of the two diaphragms (503, 301) directed towards the external environment are permanently bonded together after which the perforator (3) is manipulated from the outside so as to perforate the two diaphragms, placing in communication, via the tubular duct of the perforator, the confined environment of the supplying volume with that of the second volume.

This application is a divisional of a parent application having Ser. No.357,326 and filed on May 25, 1989. The parent application has now beengranted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to so-called "confined volumes" or"controlled volumes" or containers such as bags made of impermeableplastic material or flasks or bottles made of glass, plastic material orthe like. These are filled in a sterile environment or otherwisepackaged, with suitable solid, gaseous or liquid products, andhermetically sealed so as to prevent any contamination of the productscontained therein by the external environment, or any contamination ofthe external environment by the products contained inside. Frequentlythe need arises for the contents of two or more such confined volumes tobe mixed together, and very frequently such mixing must take placeshortly before the mixture is used, since the mixed product can often bepreserved only for a limited period of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, in order to solve the problem of mixing two or more products,be they liquid, solid or gaseous, contained in confined volumes, use ismade of a third confined "containment" volume with dimensions such thatit contains the confined volumes to be mixed. The containment volume hasmeans, such as half pressure chambers or sheaths, connected in ahermetically sealed manner and penetrating inside the confinedcontainment volume, which allows the operator to intervene from theoutside in order to manipulate, under absolutely sterile conditions, theconfined volumes contained therein. After introducing the confinedvolumes to be manipulated inside the containment volume, and after thelatter has been sealed or hermetically closed, it is necessary toperform sterilization or a particle check of the internal space of thecontainment volume and of the external walls of the confined volumes tobe manipulated. This operation may take as long as a few hours, afterwhich the operator can manipulate the confined volumes inside thecontainment space.

As can be seen, it is a complex, laborious, long and costly operationwhich requires special equipment.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to simplify the mixing operation,reducing considerably the time and cost thereof and eliminating the needto use special equipment such as the containment volumes with associatedsterilization plants. At the same time ensuring, nevertheless, that themanipulating operation has taken place under absolutely safe conditionsfrom the point of view of sterility or non-contaminating nature of themanipulated products and/or protection of the personnel employed tomanipulate these products.

The present invention therefore relates mainly to a method formanipulating products confined within conditioned volumes ("confinedvolumes") comprising the stages of:

a) associating with one of the confined volumes a perforating orpiercing element provided with a duct, confined in turn inside aconditioned environment closed by a diaphragm which can be perforated bythe perforating element, one surface of this diaphragm being directedtowards the external environment;

b) providing the second confined volume with a closing diaphragm whichcan be perforated by the perforating element, one surface of diaphragmbeing directed towards the external environment;

c) intimately bonding together the surfaces of diaphragms directedtowards the external environment;

d) operating perforating element from the outside so as to perforate thetwo diaphragms bonded together, thus placing in communication, via theduct of the perforating element, the contents of the two confinedvolumes;

e) transferring, through the duct of the perforating element, thecontents of one confined volume into the second confined volume.

The present invention also relates to a perforating element forimplementing the method according to the invention.

The present invention also relates to a system for intimately bondingthe external walls of the said perforable diaphragms.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses,reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter inwhich preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view, with parts sectioned, of a system of twoconfined volumes according to the invention, illustrated during thestage preceding bonding of the external walls of their perforablediaphragms;

FIG. 2 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 1, illustrating the twoconfined volumes during the stage where the external walls of theirperforable diaphragms are bonded;

FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to those of FIGS. 1 and 2, illustratingthe two confined volumes during the stage following operation of thetubular perforating element, or during the stage where communication isestablished between the two confined volumes;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, illustrating a modifiedembodiment of the perforating element;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, illustrating a furthervariation of the invention, and

FIG. 6 is a view, similar to that of FIG. 1, of another variation of theinvention;

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show, in section, a device for effecting bonding inthree successive operational stages;

FIG. 10 is a view, in section, along X--X of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows a detail of the perforator of FIGS. 7 to 10;

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a modified embodiment of the bonding device; and

FIGS. 14 and 15 show another embodiment of the device.

In all the examples, corresponding parts may be indicated by the samereference numbers.

With reference to the drawings and with particular reference to FIG. 1of the same, 1 denotes a confined volume comprising a bag or bladder 101made of impermeable elastic plastic material. The bladder 101 has atubular attachment 201, integral therewith, communicating freely at oneend with the internal space of the bladder 101 and closed at the otherend by a diaphragm 301. Advantageously, both the bag 101 and theattachment 201 with the diaphragm 301 are made of polyvinyl chloride(PVC) or other suitable plastic material.

2 denotes another confined volume. This volume comprises, similar to thevolume 1, a bladder 102 provided with a tubular attachment 202. Onto thefree end of the attachment 202 there is fitted one end of a rigidelement 3 terminating at its other end in a tip 103 shaped like a flutemouthpiece, or other element designed to act as a perforating element.The tubular through-duct 203 of the perforating element 3 communicatesfreely with the internal space of the bladder 102.

The perforating element 3 is in turn accommodated with sufficient axialand radial play within a tubular casing 303 made of elastic and flexiblematerial, for example plastic, and provided, in its middle zone, with acorrugated or bellows-type part 403. The tubular casing 303 is bonded atone end to the mouth of the attachment 202, while its other end isclosed by a perforable diaphragm 503 entirely similar to the diaphragm301 of the bladder 101 and made of the same material.

If it is assumed that it is required to transfer the contents of thebladder 102 (which will be referred to as the "supplying" bladder) intothe bladder 101 ("receiving" bladder) in a completely aseptic manner,the procedure described below, with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and3, will be adopted.

Prior to transferral, the diaphragms 301 and 503 must be intimatelybonded together. For this purpose, it is possible to proceed indifferent ways which may depend, amongst other things, on the nature ofthe materials from which these diaphragms are made. One of the preferredmaterials for making these diaphragms is, as has been stated above,plastic material, for bonding of which a solvent thereof (such ascyclohexanone for example) may be used. Therefore, the solvent is spreadover the external surfaces of the diaphragms 301 and 503, after whichthese surfaces are made to adhere firmly together, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In order to obtain perfect adhesion over all the points of thesurfaces of the two diaphragms making contact, it is possible to adoptcertain measures, such as for example that consisting in making thesesurfaces slightly convex. In order to join them together, it isobviously possible to use a suitable support which holds them firmlytogether for the time necessary for bonding, or another system withinthe scope of any person skilled in the art.

After bonding the two external surfaces of the diaphragms 301 and 503,it is possible to establish the connection between the two confinedvolumes 1 and 2 by acting on the perforator 3 which is pushed againstthe diaphragms 301 and 305, taking advantage of the elasticcharacteristics of the sleeve 303-403, until the said diaphragms arecompletely perforated, as illustrated in FIG. 3. At this point, it ispossible to cause the liquid to flow out from the supplying volume 2into the receiving volume 3 in a completely conventional manner.

Once transferral has been completed, it is possible to bond, for exampleby means of a heat-bonding process, the attachment 201 upstream of theperforator 3 and then detach the confined volumes 1 and 2.

As illustrated in dot-dash lines in FIG. 1, branches 401, 501, providedat their ends with closing diaphragms 601, 701, may be connected to theattachment 201, said branches being used for connecting the confinedvolume 1 to other confined volumes similar to the volume 2, such thattwo or more different substances contained in the same number ofconfined volumes may be made to flow into this receiving volume.

Obviously, as regards the confined volumes 1 and 2, they have been shownand described as being provided with a single interconnection attachment(201, 202); it is obvious that they may be, and in general are, providedwith a plurality of such attachments, both for the purpose oftransferral and for the purpose of extraction for final use of theproducts confined therein.

FIGS. 4 and 6 show variations of the device of FIGS. 1 to 3. During thedescription of these variations, the same reference numbers will be usedfor parts which are the same as or correspond to those of the embodimentof FIGS. 1 to 3.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the tubular attachment 202 of theconfined volume 2 is closed by a diaphragm 302. A tubular sleeve 303,303', provided with bellows-type parts 403, 403' and in turn closed atits end by the diaphragm 503, is connected to said tubular attachment202. The tubular perforator 3, 3' is accommodated inside the tubularsleeve 303, 303'-403, 403'. This perforator 3, 3' is provided at bothends with pointed parts 103, 603 and is secured in the middle, by meansof the element 703, to the sleeve 303, 303'. The mode of operation ofthe device described will become apparent. Once the diaphragms 301 and503 are bonded together, both the diaphragm 302 and the associateddiaphragms 301, 503 are perforated, thus establishing communicationbetween the two confined volumes 1 and 2, in a manner completely similarto that described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3,acting on sleeve 303, 303'.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is similar to that of FIG. 4, with thedifference that the double perforator element 3, 3' is contained insidea confined volume separate from the volumes 1 and 2. For this purpose,the sleeve 303, 303' is closed at both ends by diaphragms 503, 803 andwill have suitable inside conditions. In this case, in order for theconfined volumes 1 and 2 to be operationally connected, the diaphragms301 and 503, on the one hand, and 302' and 803, on the other hand, arebonded, thus effecting the connection between the confined volumes 1 and2 in the manner described with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 4.

In order to simplify operation of the perforating element, the sleeve303, 303' may be provided with an air breather duct 310 connected to theexternal atmosphere via a suitable absolute filter 312.

In the examples of embodiment described above, the confinement elementshave been illustrated and described as consisting of bags or bladders ofsoft plastic material which therefore allow transferral from one bladderto the other without problems.

FIG. 6 illustrates the case where at least one of the confinementelements or receptacles consists of a body with rigid undeformable wallsand, for example, of a flask or bottle 4.

The bottle 4, which in the case illustrated consitutes the supplyingconfined volume, is closed by a stopper 104 provided centrally with aperforable diaphragm 204 which is suitably shaped and projecting. Thereceiving confined volume 2 is entirely similar to the volume 2 of FIG.1, with the difference that the perforating element 33 has two channelspassing inside it, namely a first channel 133 for transferral from theconfined volume 4 to the volume 2, and a second channel 233communicating with the external atmosphere via an absolute filter 333.The mode of operation of the device shown is moreover exactly the sameas the mode of operation of the devices illustrated in the embodimentsabove, and provides an inlet for sterilized air (or any other suitablegas) in bottle 4.

The advantages of the method and the device described are obvious. Theyare, among others economic in nature, since the device according to theinvention eliminates the need for using confined volumes within whichthe individual elements to undergo transferral must be introduced andmanipulated, along with the associated sterilization equipment, etc.,and considerable time losses.

However, they are also operational in nature, since they allow confinedvolumes to be manipulated in practically any environment and under anyconditions, and with simple and fast operation.

In the above description, reference has been made to the bonding ofdiaphragms for the connection of the confined volumes by means of aproduct which is a solvent of the diaphragm itself. Obviously, thisbonding may be performed in any manner suitable for the purpose, forexample by means of heat-bonding or also using special glues which couldeven be of the self-adhesive type and could already be spread over theparts to be glued, protected by a suitable film which is removed at thetime of use.

According to the illustrations of FIGS. 7 to 11, 1 and 2 denote the twoconfined volumes with tubular attachments 201 and 202; the attachment202 forms a tubular casing 303 with a corrugated part so as to allowlongitudinal deformations of the casing 303 inside which the perforatingelement 903 extends. Said attachment 201 and said casing 303 with theattachment 202 form communication ducts with the two confined volumes 1and 2. A membrane cap 1301, which forms the perforable diaphragm 301, issealed on the end of the attachment 201. At its end, the casing 303has-also formed as one piece-a similar membrane cap 1503, which formsthe perforable diaphragm 503. The two diaphragms 301 and 503 must becoupled and bonded together.

Said diaphragms are made of thermoplastic material and preferably areshaped with an outwards convexity with respect to the respectiveconfined volumes; the caps 1301 and 1503 have collars projecting suchthat they are engaged by operating members described below.

The external surfaces of the two diaphragms 301 and 503 must be heated(FIG. 7) up to a level of plasticization sufficient to cause bondingbetween the two surfaces when brought into contact. The two heatedsurfaces are moved towards each other until initial localized contact isobtained (FIG. 8) in the center of the two diaphragms 301 and 503, thiscontact gradually increasing from the center towards the periphery untilcomplete bonding occurs (FIG. 9). Compression which facilitates bondingof the two diaphragms is obtained by means of a pressure differencebetween the inside of the cavities formed by the attachment 201 and thecasing 303, and the environment where the plasticized surfaces arelocated. Although it may be envisaged to create an excess pressureinside said cavities, preferably and advantageously it is envisaged tocreate a reduced pressure in said environment. This pressure differenceis able to cause or ensure the convexity of the plasticized surfaces.

Bonding between the two diaphragms may be adjusted by modifying theheating temperature and/or the heating time and/or the mutualcompression time and/or the pressure difference.

The two diaphragms coupled by means of bonding must be capable of beingperforated by the perforator 903.

In order to achieve coupling by means of bonding, a bonding means with abox 1001 consisting of two parts 1002 and 1003 which can be moved awayand brought together and for example being articulated by a hinge 1005may be provided; the box 1001 has a cavity 1007 having a symmetricalshape with respect to a geometrical axis of symmetry, which ishorizontal in the drawing. The two parts 1002 and 1003 of the box 1001in the closed condition define two opposite sliding seats 1010 and 1012on the geometrical axis of symmetry, for slidably receiving two members1014, 1016 with positioning seats 1014A and 1016A, respectively; each ofthese members is divided into two halves and has centrally athrough-recess which forms the seats 1014A and 1016A designed to engagewith the corresponding membrane cap 1301 and 1503, in such a way as toposition the diaphragms during the various stages of heating (FIG. 7),bringing together and initial contact (FIG. 8) and end of bringingtogether and complete bonding (FIG. 9), as a result of the relativemovement towards each other of the two members 1014 and 1016 withpositioning seats 1014A and 1016A.

For heating, an annular heating element 1020, in particular with anelectrical resistance, is provided; it may consist of two halves carriedby the two parts 1002 and 1003 of the box 1001 and may be associatedwith reflecting surfaces 1020A. Heating of the two surfaces of thediaphragms 301 and 503 occurs in a uniform manner, while the twodiaphragms are kept separated (FIG. 1); suitable reflecting surfaces1020A may be provided inside the cavity 1007 in order to irradiate thesurfaces to be plasticized, for example formed by the walls of thecavity itself. After heating and superficial plasticization of theconvex surfaces of the diaphragms 301 and 503, the latter are movedtowards each other by moving their positioning members 1014 and 1016closer together. This is advantageously obtained by creating a reducedpressure inside the cavity 1007, using schematic means indicated by1026; these means are able to cause a reduced pressure which is variableand in particular having increasing vacuum values. This reduced pressureacts on the members 1014 and 1016, so as to move them closer, ifnecessary against the action of counter springs and where appropriatewith positive controlling movements over time via cam means or the like.The approach movement may also be obtained using positive means, such asthose 1022, 1024, also providing a vacuum inside the cavity 1007.Alternatively, the approach movement may be obtained using mechanical orhydraulic means shown diagramatically in broken lines by 1022, 1024 andwith counter springs, so as to achieve a positive operating action inaccordance with a precise pattern of displacement. In each case, thereduced pressure inside the cavity 1007 facilitates the gradual bringingtogether, as described, of the two diaphragms 301 and 503--which havebeen superficially plasticized--starting from the point of initialcontact visible in FIG. 8. The reduced pressure inside the chamber 1007also tends to accentuate the convexity of the two diaphragms and causecompression of the two diaphragms.

At the end of the relative approach movement of the two members 1014 and1016 with positioning seats 1014A and 1016A, complete fusion of the twodiaphragms and hence formation of a single diaphragm 1350 is obtained(FIG. 9), without pockets or bubbles of air being trapped and withmaterial, if necessary, being rejected, resulting in the formation of aperimetral swelling 1351, this being promoted by the reduced pressure.The diaphragm 1350 is capable of being perforated by the perforator 903.Once the bonding operation has been complated, the two parts 1002 and1003 of the box 1001 are moved away from each other and the positioningmembers are moved away, the said members consisting of two parts forthis purpose.

According to a possible variation of embodiment, only one of the twomembers 1014 and 1016 may be movable; the fixed seat for thenon-displaceable cap may thus be formed directly by the two box parts1002 and 1003.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 11 show a perforator which has several ribs, forexample three ribs 910, forming a tip with three cutting edges 912,which form an extension of the rounded edges of the three ribs 910.Longitudinal projections 914 extend between the ribs 910. The perforator903 cuts the diaphragm with the three cutting edges 912; the opening ismaintained by the three projections 914 in order to ensure transferralbetween the two confined volumes.

The coupling device, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, issimple and may be easily transported. This device is also suitable forthe solutions of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a further embodiment of a bonding device, which mayalso be portable. On two arched supports 2002 and 2003, articulated at2005 in the manner of pincers, there are engaged two half-shells 2010and 2012 made of material which is at least partially flexible in thethinnest zones; the two half-shells 2010 and 2012 form--when broughttogether--two coaxial and opposite positioning seats 2014 and 2016designed to receive the components 303, 1503 and 201, 1301 (or thelike). The two half-shells form a box 2001 and define, when broughttogether, an annular cavity 2018 where two heating elements 2020 arearranged, which complement each other annularly and which may becombined with reflecting surfaces 2020A. As a result of the flexibilityof the half-shells 2010 and 2012, the two seats 2014 and 2016 may beaxially moved towards and away from each other, owing to a reducedpressure created at the appropriate time inside the cavity 2018 and/orby means of an external operation, after heating and superficialplasticization of the opposing diaphragms 301 and 503 of the caps 1301and 1503. The axial movements may be guided by the same shell formed bythe half-shells 2010, 2012 or using sliding guiding means. The reverseof the approach movement may be obtained by the elastic return of thehalf-shells 2010 and 2012, or using a positive operating means notillustrated, or by means of an excess pressure inside the cavity 2018.

Inside the cavity 1007 or 2018 there may be introduced an atmospherewith special characteristics, for example a sterilizing atmosphere suchas an oxidizing atmosphere, or an inert or vapor atmosphere, or anatmosphere of another type. This may be obtained using a flexible ductsuch as 1026 or 2040, by means of which it is possible to create thereduced pressure; separate ducts may also be envisaged.

The cavity 1007 or 2018 may also receive, if necessary, at least onesource of corrective radiation, for example sterilizing the environment,so as to act on the surfaces of the diaphragms such as 301 and 503.

The term "manipulation" used in the description is intended to mean anyoperation performed on confined volumes and therefore also thetransferral and/or emptying of the contents from one confined volume tothe other.

The terms "sterile atmosphere" or "conditioned environment" or the likeare intended to mean an environment free from pollution of any kind and,for example, also from particle contamination and/or contaminationhaving particular environmental characteristics totally or partiallyincompatible with the external environment.

Insofar as the products contained in the confined volumes are mainlyliquid, these volumes are also suitable for containing and manipulatingsolid or gaseous products, and the principles of the present inventionapply equally well to these products.

The invention has been described mainly as being intended for theprotection of the products contained in the confined environments fromexternal influences. Obviously, it must also be understood that it isequally applicable for the protection and isolation of the externaloperators from the products contained in these environments.

When coupling is performed using adhesives, one of the confined volumesmay be a living organism, the diaphragm of which is represented by theepidermis. One example is that shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show an embodiment in which one of the confined volumesis a living organism 3001, the epidermis of which, representing thediaphragm of this confined volume, is indicated by 3003. The device maybe for example a syringe or bladder for intravenous injections, or aninstrument for removing blood or other substances which is indicatedgenerally by 3005 and which forms another of the confined volumes. Thisdevice 3005 with an engaging body 3007 cooperates with a needle 3009. Inthe condition prior to use, the tip of the needle 3009 is surrounded bya protection ring 3011 provided with internal longitudinal ribs foreffecting the centering of the needle. A hood-type sheath 3013, which iselastic moreover (for example made of rubber latex) and semi-transparentsurrounds the needle 3009 and the protection ring 3011, and reaches thebody 3007. The sheath 3013 surrounds a possible annular absolute filter3015 surrounding the engaging body 3007. A clip 3017 clamps the sheath3013 and the absolute filter 3015 on the body 3007. The absolute filtermay also be made in another manner, or may be omitted. A further clip3019 is used to clamp, against the protection ring 3011, both the closedend of the hood-type sheath 3013 and the tubular central portion 3021Aof a flexible tubular and possibly transparent film 3021. Thetransparent film 3021 gradually widens so as to form a flange 3021B witha flat edge; against this flange 3021B there is fixed a layer 3023 oftransparent flexible material which acts as a diaphragm of the device3005 and is designed to adhere to the epidermis and is, for example,self-adhesive. The closed end 3013A of the hood-type sheath 3013 and theadhesive layer 3023 may be perforated by the needle 3009. Between thetwo clips 3017 and 3019 there extend small rods 3025 or other rigidspacing element which serves to keep the clips separated until themoment of use.

When air must be discharged from the assembly 3007, 3005 through theneedle 3009, the said air may be conveyed inside the hood-type sheath3013 and from here discharged through the absolute filter 3015.Immediately after this first operation, where performed, the transparentlayer 3023 is made to adhere to the adequately disinfected epidermis3003 in the zone where the needle must be made to penetrate. Theassembly may be inclined (FIG. 15), taking advantage of thepossibilities offered by the film 3021, so as to cause penetration ofthe needle in the correct position, which can be controlled by means ofthe transparent layers 3021 and 3023. The needle 3009 is slid throughthe protection ring 3011 so as to perforate the bottom 3013A of thesheath 3013, the layer 3023 and the epidermis and so as to be inserted,where necessary, into the vein for the purposes of supply or removal.Once the operation has been completed, the needle is retracted until thetip of the ring 3011 is also withdrawn so as to locate a seat from whereit is practically impossible for the tip to emerge again outside throughthe protection ring. The layer 3013A also tends to close again afterextraction of the needle; the self-adhesive layer 3023, detached fromthe epidermis 3003 may be folded up and adhered to itself. The externalenvironment is thus protected.

An embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 may comprise afirst cutting and/or perforating element for the diaphragms, which canbe manipulated from the outside, and a further second or transferelement able to be inserted into the cut performed by the first elementand to be maintained therein after withdrawal of the first element fromthe living organism. The second element ensures the communication withthe confined volume 3005. The insertion of the second element may beperformed simultaneously to the cutting or thereafter.

All those variations and modifications in design made to a device of thetype described above and illustrated in the attached drawings areregarded as forming part of the present invention and as falling withinthe broadest scope of the inventive idea.

I claim:
 1. A device for transferring products between confined volumes,the device comprising:a first pierceable thermal plastic diaphragm oneach of the confined volumes and enclosing a section of each of theconfined volumes, said thermal plastic diaphragms being adhesivable toeach other when heated; a piercing means enclosed in a first of theconfined volumes, for piercing joined thermal plastic diaphragms to forman opening between the confined volumes whereby products can betransferred between the confined volumes and bonding means for bondingsaid thermal plastic diaphragms, said bonding means heating said thermalplastic diaphragms, and bringing said thermal plastic diaphragmstogether for joining said bonding means surrounding said thermal plasticdiaphragms and comprising an annular heating element.
 2. A device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said thermal plastic diaphragms areconvexed-shaped when viewed from outside the confined volumes.
 3. Adevice in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:a casingconnecting the first confined volume to said corresponding plasticdiaphragm and said piercing means located inside said casing, saidcasing being flexible for moving said piercing means relative to saidthermal plastic diaphragm.
 4. A device in accordance with claim 3,wherein in:said casing has annular corrugations for moving said piercingmeans relative to said thermal plastic diaphragm.
 5. A device inaccordance with claim 1, further comprising:a second pierceable thermalplastic diaphragm on the first confined volume, said second thermalplastic diaphragms being adhesivable to other thermal plastic diaphragmswhen heated, said piercing means also pierceable of said second andother thermal plastic diaphragms when said second thermal plasticdiaphragm is joined to other of said thermal plastic diaphragms.
 6. Adevice in accordance with claim 1, further comprising:an attachedconfined volume permanently attached to the first confined volume andcontents of the attached confined volume separated from contents of thefirst confined volume by an attached diaphragm pierceable by saidpiercing means.
 7. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:saidpiercing means has a longitudinal duct means for transferring products.8. A device in accordance with claim 5, wherein:said piercing means hastwo opposite piercing tip means for piercing said first and said secondthermal plastic diaphragms.
 9. A device in accordance with claim 7,wherein:said longitudinal duct means has a filter means for filteringcommunication between an inside of the confined volumes and an externalenvironment.
 10. A device in accordance with claim 1, wherein:saidbonding means has two parts for clamping around said thermal plasticdiaphragms, and said bonding means defining a bonding chamber.
 11. Adevice in accordance with claim 10, wherein:said bonding chambercontains heating means and heat reflecting means.
 12. A device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein:said bonding means contains slidingmeans for positioning said thermal plastic diaphragms and sliding saidthermal plastic diaphragms together.
 13. A device in accordance withclaim 1, wherein:said bonding means has flexible walls for receivingsaid thermal plastic diaphragms and moving said thermal plasticdiaphragms together.
 14. A device in accordance with claim 13,wherein:said walls of said bonding means define a bonding chamber; andpressure means for creating a pressure difference causing said flexiblewalls to join said thermal plastic diaphragms.
 15. A device inaccordance with claim 12, wherein:said bonding means also defines abonding chamber containing said sliding means; and pressure means forcreating a pressure difference causing said sliding means to join saidthermal plastic diaphragms.
 16. A device in accordance with claim 1,further comprising:one of mechanical or hydraulic means for bringingsaid thermal plastic diaphragms together.
 17. A device in accordancewith claim 14, wherein:said pressure means forms said thermal plasticdiaphragms into a convex shape.
 18. A device in accordance with claim 1,wherein:said thermal plastic diaphragms are convexed shaped and formedby hoods integral with casings communicating with the confined volumes,said bonding means containing positioning seats engageable with saidhoods.
 19. A device for transferring products between confined volumes,the device comprising: means defining a first confined volume includinga first volume pierceable plastic diaphragm enclosing a section of thefirst confined volume; means defining a second confined volume includinga second volume pierceable plastic diaphragm enclosing a section of thesecond confined volume; a first additional pierceable plastic diaphragmand a second additional diaphragm cooperating with means to define athird confined volume, said first volume plastic diaphragm, said secondvolume plastic diaphragm and said first and second additional plasticdiaphragm being adhesivable to each other when heated wherein said firstadditional pierceable plastic diaphragm is adhered to said first volumepierceable plastic diaphragm and said second additional pierceableplastic diaphragm is adhered to said second volume pierceable plasticdiaphragm to connect said means defining a first confined volume andsaid means defining a second confined volume; piercing means enclosed insaid third confined volume, said piercing means including two oppositepiercing tips for piercing said first volume pierceable plastic volume,said first additional pierceable plastic diaphragm, said secondadditional pierceable plastic diaphragm and said second volumepierceable plastic diaphragm when said means defining a first confinedvolume and said means defining a second confined volume are connected.20. A device according to claim 19, wherein:said piercing means includesa longitudinal duct for transferring products and a filter portion insaid longitudinal ducts.
 21. A device for transferring products betweenconfined volumes, the device comprising: means defining a first confinedvolume including a first volume pierceable plastic diaphragm enclosing asection of the first confined volume; means defining a second confinedvolume including a second volume pierceable plastic diaphragm enclosinga section of the second confined volume; an additional pierceableplastic diaphragm connected to said first volume plastic diaphragm todefine a third confined volume, said second volume plastic diaphragm andsaid additional plastic diaphragm being adhesivable to each other whenheated wherein said additional pierceable plastic diaphragm is adheredto said second volume pierceable plastic diaphragm to connect said meansdefining a first confined volume and said means defining a secondconfined volume; piercing means enclosed in said third confined volume,said piercing means including two opposite piercing tips for piercingsaid first volume pierceable plastic volume, said additional pierceableplastic diaphragm and said second volume pierceable plastic diaphragm,adhered to said additional diaphragm.